Ask the Expert

Q: Is there anything I can do to prevent height loss?

A: Most people become shorter as they age. This is due to compression of the spine. But exercising regularly could help prevent height loss — even for people who wait until later in life to start. Over a 30-year period, men who were most active throughout adulthood lost only 2.6 cm in height. Men who became active after age 40 lost 3.1 cm. Men who were less or not at all active lost 5.3 cm and 5.5 cm, respectively. Exercise helped women to lessen height loss, too, but not as much as it did men.

Q: Can large doses of vitamin C prevent diseases?

A: No, says the Institute of Medicine. In fact, they could even be harmful. Don't take more than 2,000 mg of vitamin C per day from both supplements and food, warns the Institute. Higher amounts probably won't add any benefit. Plus, they could cause health problems.

How much vitamin C should people get daily? Women should aim for 75 mg, and men should get 90 mg. Smokers need an additional 35 mg. Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, broccoli, green, leafy vegetables, strawberries, and potatoes.

Phyllis Famularo
Registered Dietician
affiliated with Meridian
Assisted Living

Q: What are additional health risks for those with heart failure?

A: At least one out of every two people with heart failure also suffers from sleep apnea. This sleep disorder causes you to stop breathing many times each night. Symptoms include:

• snoring
• restless sleep
• morning headaches
• daytime sleepiness

Sleep apnea can worsen the symptoms of heart failure. Weight loss and avoiding alcohol can reduce the severity of sleep apnea. Medical treatments are also available for this sleep disorder.

Q: How can I fight the flu?

A: When the flu strikes, comfort yourself with these measures:

• Ask your doctor about prescription drugs that can make flu symptoms disappear faster if you take them within 48 hours after becoming ill.
• Drink a lot of fluids, such as water, juice, and soup. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Try over-the-counter medicines to soothe muscle aches, a sore throat, congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose.
• Use a humidifier to clear a stuffy nose.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Gargle with salt water to relieve a sore throat.

Also, it's never too late in the flu season to get your flu shot. Talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated against this year's flu strain.